Downsizing - have you done it?

[IDismyname]

Hello

I rarely come on to this part of Mumsnet, but I was hoping that you'll have some wise advice about downsizing.

My DM and DF are about to put their house on the market; they have found a cottage nearby that they want. They've made an offer and its been accepted.

However, this cottage is about a third of the size of their existing house. My Mum is getting stuck into clearing out cupboards etc, and I'm there once a week helping, too. When they've decided what they want to take with them to the new house, there will be loads of stuff 'left over'..

Do you call in an auction house - a house clearance - or is there someone inbetween?

I've got no idea!

If any of you have done this, I'd be very grateful to hear your stories - good and bad.

Bump

I downsized from a 6 bedroomed house to a 2 bedrooms and needed to get rid of most of my stuff.

Some things were advertised on Gumtree, I used specialist collectors for some things, gave loads to charity shops and charities which pass on sofa's etc for free to people in need.

Friends and family took some things, fridge feezer, dishwasher etc and for junk in the sheds like wood and metal, I used a Man With a Van. Instead of paying him, he spied an old chest of drawers and took it instead of cash.

When clearing my mum's house, after family took sentimental items, I used a local clearance company who were absolutely fantastic. They were quick, efficient and respectful of mum's belongings. They took the stress out of the whole move.